Garbage day is a pretty big deal for 5-year-old Daniel Mulligan. California mom Robyn Newberger explains that her son, who has autism, is so enamored with garbage trucks that he “waits all week for Monday morning pick-up.” When Monday finally arrives, Daniel keeps an eye on the curb, running outside as soon as he sees the truck making its slow approach.

This week, though, something extra special happened – and Robyn caught it all on film.

“To [Daniel], trash pickup is like a symphony,” she says. “He synchronizes his hand movements with the truck. We have so many ‘Trash Day’ videos, but this one is like no other.”

Take a look…

Robyn was so moved by Manuel’s thoughtful gesture that she posted the video to Facebook, writing, “One man, one moment, touching the life of an autistic child. Our hearts are overflowing.” It’s quickly gone viral from there.

As for Manuel, who is being praised far and wide, his employer, E.J. Harrison & Sons, says they’re “very proud” and have recognized his generosity with a restaurant gift certificate.

“He did something so remarkable without anyone asking him to do it,” company rep Nan Drake says. “He noticed this boy waiting for him every Monday morning and he bought him that toy truck with his own money.”

It’s easy sometimes to feel overwhelmed by all of the scary headlines out there, but stories like this are a wonderful reminder that there’s a lot of good in this world, and that even a small act of kindness can make a very big impact.

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